The Eyes That Own Me (Timing is Everything Book 1)

by Rebecca Fischer

  When Aaron gets back, he tells us whom Charlie talked to according to security at Deep End.

  I am going to fucking kill John Braden.

  Crap on a cracker, I am in so much pain yet something is soft on my chin. I can feel a set of bright lights through my eyelids, and my whole left side feels like my brother tackled me. Plus, the damn beeping from the machine is annoying the ever-loving daylights out of me. Clearly, I am in the hospital. Jeez, that truck was more than stupid running that light. I hope my Jeep is okay.

  My throat is killing me. I try and clear it a little bit. I can hear Kylie's shaky voice, "Oh girl you had us so scared."

  Slowly, I open my eyes. "Hey babes, come here often?"

  She starts laughing. Or crying. I can't really tell. "Haha. Real funny. Thanks for making me come here on my day off. I oughta take away your autographed posters for a month, young lady."

  I start to laugh but wince through the pain of my sore throat and ribs. "Alright, how long have I been out and what's the damage?"

  Kylie gives me the run down. "A little over thirteen hours. They brought you in late last night. You got into recovery by one am. You dislocated your shoulder that has been reset and put in a tight sling. Your wrist was shattered, but it's been operated on with cast on for two months depending on the healing progress, which also covered some handprint bruises from that jerk face. You also have a bruised knee and a badly sprained ankle. Your ribs are probably sore from your seat belt. You also have a mild concussion. They gave you meds so you don't barf."

  I nod and think back to why I was driving away in the first place. I look at my wrist that's covering where the guy grabbed me, and it makes me want to ask her about Matt. I'm scared to know the answers. I get sad all over again about the stuff I heard and not being able to talk to him. My heart tightens in my chest and my breathing shallows, making the alarm beep a little faster.

  Kylie grabs my good hand, soothing it until I calm down. "He's here. Let him talk. It was all a misunderstanding." She rubs her hand on my good arm. "Girl, keep him."

  I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding so tightly. My hands are trembling a bit, and I fight the urge to tug on my earlobe.

  "So he didn't leave with her, and I'm not the butt of a joke?"

  "No. I told him and Aaron that I was going to talk to you first since the concussion might make you loopy. But I do need to let the nurse know you're awake. You're lucky; it's Julia. At least it's not some stranger. Then I'll let Matt come in, okay?"

  Julia comes in to do her nursing thing. We make small talk, and she leaves the room leaving me to my thoughts. I look around the room, and my eyes land on the nightstand. There's a stack of my favorite books and the picture from home with a note, 'This is real. I love you, angel.'

  I can feel him before I see him. I look over at the door and see his gorgeous face enter my view. His eyes look all red with dark circles from no sleep. His hair is messier than usual like he's been pushing his hands through it, and his clothes are wrinkled. Even still, he's so handsome. I was sad to think I might never see that face again if it all was true. I just wanted to talk to him, but it became too difficult. I immediately start crying. He runs over to the right side of the bed and cautiously sits down next to me. He uses his thumbs to wipe away my tears.

  "Baby, don't cry. Everything is fine. I know everything that happened."

  Through a small sob, I choke out, "All I wanted to do was talk to you."

  "I know, hun. Aaron, Jeremy, and I took care of the situation. But hear it from me; I didn't do anything with that girl. I pushed her off, and I sure as hell didn't leave with her. There was no bet, no picture of you on a dartboard, and my friends respect our relationship. They like hanging out with you."

  Absorbing his words, I state, "Deep down, I didn't think you did. But when that guy told me everything and kept blocking me, I just didn't want to deal with the drama."

  "Baby, I know everything, and I know who talked to you. He's not going to be bothering us again. Jeremy rushed me out of the house, and I left my phone at home. I'm so sorry, Char." He scoots closer on the bed and puts his arm around me. He's careful of my head and ribs. He starts stroking my hair. I love when he plays with my hair, although, it may make me fall asleep again.

  "None of this was your fault, sweets. I know why you wanted to talk to me after you heard everything. I would've set the record straight if I had my phone. I felt so bad I left it at home. You and I will get through this. I'm glad you wanted to talk to me first to get my side".

  "So everything? You mean humiliations everything?" I ask nervously. I had already told him about my college dating experiences and conveniently left out my high school drama.

  He gives me a gentle squeeze. "Yeah, babe. Everything. Please don't be mad at Kylie. She just wanted me to understand. You already know I do because of everything that happened with Kelly. I look at it as she saved me from a superficial future and led me to you to make me happy. Yours just happened to be the worst timing ever."

  Still sniffling, she mutters, "I'm not mad at her. It just sucks. She and I haven't had the best of luck on milestone birthdays."

  I know this whole crash thing must be freaking her out because of how Bryce died. She looks down into her lap. "In hindsight, this whole thing was crazy to get upset over. It felt like it was happening all over again, even though you and Jordan are complete opposites."

  He tips my chin up to look him straight in the eyes. "Charlotte Rose Hanston, you cannot get rid of me. I'm in love with you and nothing will come between us."

  I grab and squeeze his wrist, starting to tear up again. I don't hesitate to return, "I love you too, Matt."

  I choke back a sob when I bury my head in his chest and grab onto his bicep. He kisses the top of my head.

  "Babe, there's something else I want to talk to you about, and I really want your opinion first."

  I take my head from his chest and look up at him. "You're making me nervous. It's good, I hope?"

  He chuckles softly, "I hope so, too. I know it's only been a few months, but I want you with me all the time. I love having you in my arms when we go to sleep and waking up to your gorgeous eyes. I want you and Ruckus to move in with me."

  Oh wow.

  Definitely not the talk I thought he wanted to have. It only takes me a moment to do a mental calculation, and I hope he understands.

  "Technically, I am saying yes. There's just one issue. The condo lease isn’t up until after summer finals. I refuse to make Kylie pay for the exit clause, and I can't afford it alone”—I look up at him with what I hope is a stern look—"And you are not paying for it either, mister. Can we wait until summer classes are over? I can spend these last few months with Kylie, and there's no stress on moving with our course load."

  He seems to be mulling it over for a second, especially me saying he can't pay my exit clause. It's almost two grand.

  He smiles when he says, "I accept your terms as long as I still get sleepovers plus another night or two of naughty dancer night."

  I poke him in the stomach, and he laughs, "Okay three nights. Don't injure your finger on the washboard, babe. It'll interfere with your licking them."

  I poke him again. "Perv."

  "I'm gonna go get your brother. He's been dying to talk to you. We're all gonna take turns taking care of you. You're out of commission for at least two weeks, but we'll help you in the cast and sling. This break will help you rest so your body can heal. You'll be slow the first week of summer session, and we'll figure everything out for your classes."

  He gets up and kisses the palm of my good hand.

  My big brother walks in after Matt leaves and takes the chair next to the bed. I haven't been this nervous for a talk with him since his deployments or when Bryce died.

  "Hey, munchkin. Gave us quite a scare. Everything worked out?"

  I laugh at him calling me munchkin again. He rarely does anymore. I didn't even play a munchkin in Wizard of Oz. I was the Ti
n Man. Just because I could eat a whole box of munchkin donuts, he called me munchkin or munchies for years.

  "Yeah, Ace, all is well."

  "Char, you have to know that the Jordan thing was a one-off, right? This whole deal with Matt is different."

  Sighing, "I know, I know, but that's why I wanted to talk to him since I didn't actually see anything. Bree's not even close to a mean person. I know she didn't send it to cause drama. She just wanted me to be aware of the situation. I just hate that what's-his-jerkface was blocking me from the bar. I just wanted a relaxing break before the new term set in. Finals drained me. I figured I'd deal with everything when Kylie and I got back from Savannah. I was upset that there was all of this drama. Plus, Rob was being a jerk again after I did him the favor of coming in on my day off. It all just added up so quickly."

  He folds his hands in his lap and leans forward before speaking again. "Well, both Kylie and Matt gave Rob some lectures on his treatment of you. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you go back in a few weeks."

  "That's the only thing that sucks. That's money I don't have to lose from my savings, and I can't ask Kylie to pay my shares."

  "Mom and Dad already took care of it. I know you'll say they can't afford it either, but they took it from the remodeling budget. Dad will just have to live without his man cave a little longer." That makes me laugh. Dad's slowly been working on his man cave over the last few years. He'll be getting a nice birthday present from me eventually. I look down at my lap then back at my brother.

  "Matt asked me to move in with him. I told him I want to wait until my lease with Kylie is up so that neither of us have to pay the exit clause."

  "I think that was very responsible of you. I won't stop you from your choices; I can tell Matt's great for you, but it still has only been a few months since y’all started dating."

  I nod. "I know, but it's also going to be stressful with classes, too. It’s still three months away. I want to help Kylie get used to the idea and find her a new place or roommate. I think Bree is looking for a place this fall."

  "Just don't rush."

  "I love him, Ace, and I know he loves me, too."

  He smiles at me. "I'm happy for you, little sister."

  "You could be happy too you know?" Referring to a certain best friend of mine.

  He looks at me with sadness on his handsome face. "Trust me, I'm working on it. I just have to get her to see my feelings are separate from what happened with Bryce". I really hope things work out for him and Kylie. I'll meddle a little bit now that I'm going to be stuck at home for a few days. Ugh, cabin fever is going to set in quickly.

  I look over at the clock and see that it's a little after three pm. I turn to my brother. "Don't you normally have a five to five today?"

  He nods. "I switched for tomorrow. Zander was on patrol last night when they got the call about you. I heard it on the scanner, and then Kylie called me."

  "So what about my car? Have you seen it?"

  He looks at me with sad eyes, and I know that means goodbye car.

  "The claims agent is going down to the impound lot tomorrow to see if its 100 percent totaled or not. I haven't seen it, but Zander doesn't think it's worth fixing. If they do decide it's totaled, then the other lady's insurance will buy you a new car. She is at fault for failure to stop at a traffic light."

  I nod and let the car information settle in. Then Matt comes back in and tells me everything that him and Aaron found out from the bar. Aaron tries to remain calm the whole time, but I can see his cop slash big brother senses flaring up.

  Matt was right. This was a huge fucking mess.

  I've been resting my eyes for a bit, yet, I can feel someone staring at me. I open my eyes to see my mom sitting in the chair next to my bed. She looks like she's been crying and has gotten zero sleep.

  "Mama, please tell me you didn't sleep here."

  She looks at me with a tired face. "Daddy and I haven't left. We wanted to stay with you while the boys went to your house. Kylie is hanging out with your father right now. Give your ole mama some peace of mind. Is everything worked out?"

  "Yea. It was all a misunderstanding thanks to some jerk Matt knows from the intramural clubs".

  "Well, tell me what happened."

  I explain everything that I found out from Matt and Aaron, and she’s quiet while processing all of the information.

  "It's amazing how crazy and competitive people can get plus being a sore loser,” she tsks. "Sweetie, I'm proud of you for wanting to get his side of the story, but why were you trying to take your vacation early instead of just waiting to talk to him?"

  I shrug before I say, "I didn't think the situation would just go away. It was just a little too much to absorb in one night. I didn't want to jump to conclusions or cause any extra drama either. I didn't know he didn't have his phone, so him not answering hurt too. All I wanted was a stress-free vacation and to rationalize everything on my own. Matt knows Kylie and I had planned on going to Savannah anyway. If he had wanted to straighten anything out, he had access to me."

  Mama nods in understanding. That Grace Hanston knew where I was coming from. I’ve rarely seen my parents fight. The worst one they've ever had was when Aaron and I wanted a dog as kids. Mom kept saying no, and Dad said it would build character toward being a responsible adult someday. I get my stubbornness from my dad, which is why I think my mama knows how to handle me.

  I'm stuck in the hospital for one more night to make sure all of the main concussion issues have passed. I need a shower stat. Although, it's going to suck with my left wrist in a cast and shoulder in throbbing pain when I move it. Both Aaron and Kylie are working on my discharge day, so Matt is taking me back to his place to get me situated. Kylie will stop in for a visit on her break since she is only three floors up.

  Is it bad I can't wait for Matt to wash my hair? His hands massaging my scalp will feel like heaven, especially now that the lump on my head is a little smaller. He's already seen me naked, and I would rather not deal with the lecture about how I should be confident around him. I also don't want to stink like hospital anymore. Even though the guys brought me some stuff, it really doesn't cover up the stench. I miss my puppy. I know he is being good at Matt's house with his dogs.

  I almost forgot Matt's birthday is tomorrow. This sucks. I had a whole romantic evening planned, and I'm immobile. His presents are hiding in my backpack. I was going to cook his favorite dinner and dessert before he opens them.

  I can still give him his presents, but I'm really sad I don't get to cook for him. He always tells me he loves my cooking and wants to try every new dish I come up with, but there's no way I can cook in a sling or a cast. My knee and ankle aren't even that sore.

  Matt is helping me dress while we wait on the nurses. We are discussing my recovery schedule and what is going to happen.

  "Babe, your parents said they'd take care of your rent for the next two months, and Rob called to tell me that he'll let you work with doctor's clearance, but your butt is glued to the register. Your mom said she'd find a replacement for you at the center, and we have the same classes this summer so I will explain everything to the professors. Stop worrying so much and take this time to relax."

  Exasperated, I explain, "It's not just that. Your birthday is tomorrow, and I had this whole evening planned for us."

  "We don't need to do anything special. I just want to spend it with you. After all of the people who've been meddling the last few days, I just want us to be in our own bubble."

  The nurses come back in with a wheelchair. My parents are at the condo getting a bunch of stuff for me to take to Matt's house. I insisted Matt not take the rest of the week off from work since I'll be at his house anyway. He convinced me to stay with him because of everyone's schedule. Plus, I'll get to snuggle with all three dogs and hustle Jeremy in poker if necessary.

  Between Kylie, Aaron, my parents, and him, I will be well taken care of.

  I'm more than reli
eved that Charlotte agreed to stay with me while she recovers, not that she would have had any real choice in the matter. Kylie's work schedule is heavily loaded right now since she swapped her vacation with someone else's for when Charlotte is better. Her family has a pretty busy summer schedule too, so it made sense for her to stay with me. Plus, I kind of steamrolled the idea into her head when I told her I couldn't bear to be away from her, hence not having a choice. Having her under my roof will help me keep my eye on her, and I do not care if the guys give me a hard time or if I have to play dirty. I almost lost her. I need her as much as I need my next breath.

  I can't tell you how many times I've reminded myself that she's okay. Her leg has already stopped swelling, and it'll just be another week or two before she can put extra weight on it. Her shoulder and arm are a little trickier to work around because of the sling and cast. Every time I look at the state she's in, my heart sinks at the situation and only renews my need to protect her. Her resistance to being taken care of is somewhat comical because now she knows how everyone else around her feels. That it’s good to be needed by others, but that we also have to let others take care of us once in a while. Anytime I tell her to let the people around her in her inner circle, she laughs and tells me I'm too smart for my own good.

  The weather has started to rise as summer approaches, so we decided to do her physical therapy at the community center pool. I don't plan on letting her out of my sight. Kylie and Aaron have free reign to come and go from the house to keep my angel company. Jeremy is going to continue living with Charlie and me until the program ends. He loves being a guinea for all recipe trials as much as the rest of us.

  John Braden is one fucking lucky asshole. I found out he was at the bar, but it was so packed, I never saw him once. If Aaron and Zander hadn't been with me, they probably would have been called anyway to arrest me for kicking the little bastard to a pulp. He's such a sorry excuse for a human being. What the hell gives him the right to treat a woman like that? To make her feel like she's a joke to anyone calls for a serious ass beating, especially since I found out he grabbed her.